I make my way to the pack’s territory. I’m apprehensive and feel like something is already off, even though I’m just arriving. The closer I get to the beta’s house, the worse I feel.

My plan is to ask him to take Valeria away from here, but since she belongs to this pack, I have to have his permission.

Once I’m at the edge of his porch, he comes out the door with a look of panic etched on his face, which only intensifies as his gaze finds mine. “What are you doing here? I figured ...